Dori, Burkina Faso

Capital City

Living in Dori is no easy feat, with a scorching hot climate that reaches a blistering 47.2°C (117°F) - the highest temperature ever recorded in Burkina Faso. This northeastern town of 46,521 people is home to a mix of Fula, Tuareg, and Songhai residents, who eke out a living as herders and livestock traders. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the longstanding proposal to link manganese mines to Ghana's ports by rail.

Dori is not for the faint of heart. The extreme heat and logistical challenges of living in this remote region make it best suited for hardy, self-reliant individuals focused on pastoral work or mining.